On July 3, 2025, the majestic Himalayan routes of Jammu & Kashmir once again echoed with chants as pilgrims from across India and abroad set forth on the sacred Shri Amarnathji Yatra—a spiritual journey to the ice-lingam of Lord Shiva in the Amarnath cave shrine. This yatra is not merely a religious event; it is a celebration of India’s pluralistic soul, a demonstration of the secular integrity of our civil services, and a lifeline for local economies in the remote mountain belts of Kashmir. In recent years, the integration of technology and principles of sustainability has tremendously enhanced the pilgrim experience—ensuring both improved service delivery and the preservation of local environmental values, besides improving the sense of security.

I have had the privilege—thrice in the last four years—of serving as Nodal Officer for this monumental pilgrimage. As a Muslim civil servant entrusted with coordinating one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages in the world, I find in this experience a living embodiment of what India truly stands for: religious harmony, cultural respect, and shared national responsibility.

The Amarnath Yatra has deep roots in Indian religious tradition. Ancient texts and local lore trace references to the Amarnath cave—situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters—to thousands of years ago. According to legend, Lord Shiva revealed the secret of........

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